WORLD AMATEUR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 201920th - 29th April 2019 Rhodes / Greece

Contact and registration:rhodes@amateurchess.com

Enjoying chess

21st April: Easter Sunday / 22nd April: Easter Monday / Holidays in many countries

The ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2019 takes place from20th - 29th April 2019 on the island of Rhodes (Greece) as an open tournament.

Any player with a rating below 2400 can represent his country and becomeACO World Champion in his rating group!

Accommodation for all players and accompanying persons:The Amateur World Championship takes place in the luxurious ambience of the award-winning 5-star Sheraton Rhodes Resort beach hotel. The hotel belongs to the international Sheraton Group, which exclusively comprises 5-star hotels. The playing hall is located in the hotel. More information and impressions will follow on the following pages.

Division of groups:The tournament is played in the following rating groups:

Group A: 2201 – 2400Group B: 2001 – 2200Group C: 1801 – 2000Group D: 1601 – 1800Group E: 1401 – 1600Group F: 1201 – 1400Group G: 0 (unrated) – 1200

Every group plays separately meaning you only play opponents of similarplaying strength in your group. For the division of groups we consider your ELO/national rating at the moment of registration. For players having both an ELO-rating and a national rating, the higher rating counts. In exceptio-nal cases the organizer decides on written application of the participant.

Mode and time control:9 rounds Swiss System.

Rate of play: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1.Default time: 30 minutes.

Starting fee (only for players): 50 EUR

Prizes: 5.000 EUR (Prizes based on 100 participants)

Group A Group B Group C2201 – 2400 2001 – 2200 1801 – 20001st place: 500 EUR 1st place: 400 EUR 1st place: 400 EUR2nd place: 200 EUR 2nd place: 200 EUR 2nd place: 200 EUR3rd place: 100 EUR 3rd place: 100 EUR 3rd place: 100 EUR

Group D Group E Group F1601 – 1800 1401 – 1600 1201 – 14001st place: 400 EUR 1st place: 400 EUR 1st place: 400 EUR2nd place: 200 EUR 2nd place: 200 EUR 2nd place: 200 EUR3rd place: 100 EUR 3rd place: 100 EUR 3rd place: 100 EUR

Group G0 – 1200 1st place: 400 EUR2nd place: 200 EUR3rd place: 100 EUR

Tournament Rules and Regulations:The ACO cannot provide any conditions for titled players. All players and accompanying persons are obliged to stay in the official hotel. All booking must be made directly through the ACO.

Weather on Rhodes:The temperatures in April are mild and sunny with temperatures up to 25 degrees Celcius. May is considered to be one the most beautiful months.

Extra nights:Bookable for the same conditions: rhodes@amateurchess.com

Transfer from the airport:The hotel is 20 minutes away from the airport. The costs for a taxi are ca. 25 EUR, the costs for a busticket ca. 3 EUR.

Note: From 2018, Greece has introduced a tourist tax for all hotels in the country. For 4 and 5 star hotels this tax is 4 EUR per person per night. This must be paid directly to the hotel at the hotel reception before departure.

1st place of each rating group becomes ACO World Champion. Places 1-3 receive trophies.

The ACO „All-round carefree chess package“ The following services are included for all players & accompanying persons:

9 overnight stays in 5-star Sheraton Rhodes Resort

Full board Breakfast, light lunch and dinner

Drinks included (non-alcoholic) during the meals (value 150 EUR) Free water and 1 soft drink per person per meal

Free drinks during the chess games (value 150 EUR) Free water, tea and coffee during the chess games exclusively for ACO guests.

Prize-giving ceremony with gala dinner (value 80 EUR)

Alcoholic beverages at a special price If you want to enjoy alcoholic beverages, the hotel offers them exclusively for ACO guests at a reduced price.

Free game analysis with GM Spyridon Skembris & GM Zigurds Lanka After the end of your games, you can analyze them with the Greek national coach Spyridon Skembris and world famous coach Zigurds Lanka

Free grandmaster chess lectures The grandmasters Skembris and Lanka will hold two lectures during the tournament about different chess topics (Duration about 1,5h each).

Free chess side program (participation is voluntary) Each evening there will be a different chess event. For example blitz tourna- ments (Indvidual or teamblitz), grandmaster simultaneous exhibition etc.

Free access to the gym

Private hotel beach

Free internet access

Access to the playing hall (Imperial Ballroom) Hotellobby

The playing venue

The 5***** beach hotel Sheraton Rhodes Resort was built by the Sheraton Group and has 4 large pool areas. The playing hall is on the same level as the lobby. The elevators to the rooms are also nearby, so no long walkways are necessary. From the playing hall there is a direct path to the private beach of the hotel. The hotel is only a 10 minute drive from the city centre of Rhodes, ideal conditions for accompanying persons who want to explore the old town during chess games.

Best playing conditions in Imperial Ballroom

The famous Greek ballroom has already hosted numerous important internati-onal congresses and events. Due to its soft carpet, there is hardly any back- ground noise, which means best conditions for chess players. The playing hall is on the same level as the hotel lobby and close to elevators leading to the hotel rooms. This means short walking distances.

Unlimited free drinks during chess games (value 150 EUR)

The ACO package price includes unlimited free drinks (coffee, tea, water) during the chess games. This offer is valid exclusively for the ACO Group.

Saturday 20.04. Arrival

From 6:00 PM Registration

Sunday 21.04. 9:00 AM Draw of pairings for Round 1

9:30 AM Opening ceremony

10:00 AM Round 1

6:30 PM Blitz tournament (Individual)

Monday 22.04. 10:00 AM Round 2

4:00 PM Round 3

Tuesday 23.04. 10:00 AM Round 4

4:00 PM Grandmaster lecture

6:00 PM Blitz tournament (Team)

Schedule ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2019April 20th - 29th 2019

21st April: Easter Sunday / 22nd April: Easter Monday / Holidays in many countries

Wednesday 24.04. 10:00 AM Round 5

4:00 PM Round 6

Thursday 25.04. Free day

Friday 26.04. 10:00 AM Round 7

6:30 PM Simultaneous exhibition

Saturday 27.04. 10:00 AM Round 8

6:30 PM Blitz tournament (Individual)

Sunday 28.04. 10:00 AM Round 9

6:00 PM Prize-giving ceremony

7:00 PM Gala dinner

Monday 29.04. Departure

The participation at the side program like for example blitz tournaments, lectures or simultaneous exhibition is voluntary.

Break guaranteed

At the World Championship we will have 2 double rounds(days with one round in the morning and one round in theafternoon). A few of our past participants have informed usthat they were quite exhausted after the double round. Sowe offer all participants the opportunity to 1 or 2 „breaks“.This is not mandatory for any participant, it is a choice!These breaks are called „BYE“s in chess language.

A „BYE“ is when you as a player tell the arbiter before thenext round that you want to pause the next round . Thenyou will not be included in the pairings for the next round,but still get half a point. So you can relax, yet not slip off inthe table. 25% of the players make use of it.

It is possible to take a „BYE“ exclusively at the two matchdays when a double round is played. So you can come afterthe morning round to the arbiter and tell him that you wantto take a „BYE“ for the next round, which is played in the afternoon.

Then you are not included in the pairings and get half a point. The next rounds you will be paired regularly. The possibility of a „BYE“ is only possible twice, only at the 2match days with double rounds.

A „BYE“ gives you a break which you can use to relax and recharge your batteries. At the same time you get half a point for the missed round. This leads to an even more relaxed tournament for many players.

Questions? Send an email to: rhodes@amateurchess.com

A typical day at the ACO World Amateur Chess Championship

08.00 hrs: Alarm clock rings, soon it starts! Get up relaxed and rested for bre-akfast.

09.00 hrs: Enjoy the breakfast buffet with an international breakfast. Our secret tip is the fresh pressed orange juice!

10.00 hrs: First move, let’s go!

13.30 hrs: The game is finished, you can analyse your game with your opponent and the grandmaster. There is no hurry, lunch will be served until 15.00 hrs, so that everyone gets something to eat.

14.00 hrs: A high-quality lunch, with everything your heart desires. But not too much, I still need energy for the evening program! 15.30 hrs: Beach or the pool is calling. Chess players and chess boards are all over the hotel area, so there is always a chance to play or analyze a game of chess. Enjoy the warm sea and sunshine with a great view of the Mediterrean Sea.

18.30 hrs: Blitz tournament. 7 rounds. No entry fee. More than 100 players participating.Even the ACO team takes part: Grandmaster Falko Bindrich, International Mas-ter Tobias Hirneise, FIDE Master Jens Hirneise and ACO President Lothar Hir-neise take part (all of them out of competition). Finished at 20.00 hrs. Material prizes for the winners.

20.00 hrs: Dinner time. You need energy after the blitz tournament.

How to get to Rhodes?From all European countries there are direct flights to Rhodes.

If you need help with flight search send an email to rhodes@amateurchess.comWe kindly assist you to find the best flight.

You can find our current flight recommendationsunder: http://amateurchess.com/rhodes(We update the list regularly)

For your own search we recommend: www.flights.idealo.com

In case you cannot find a direct flight there is always the option to fly via Athens or Thessaloniki to Rhodes. From Athens or Thessaloniki to Rhodes the flight lasts only about 30 min and there are 7 flights daily.

Airport

Rhodes City (Capital city)

Support of Grandmasters included! • Game analysis • Lectures • Simultaneous exhibition

GM Zigurds Lanka during a lecture at the ACO WACC Rhodes 2014

Every year our participants are supported by grandmasters. After the end of each of your games, you can analyze them for free with 2 grandmasters. In 2019 these will be Spyridon Skembris, national coach of the Greek national team, who will be join us for the fourth time. In addition we are happy to announce that Latvian coaching legend Zigurds Lanka (best pupils GM Shirov and GM Bologan) will join us again after 2014 and 2018. In addition to game analysis, they will offer free chess lectures about different topics and compete with you in the simultaneous exhibition or blitz tournaments.

GM Spyridon Skembris GM Zigurds Lanka

Superstars visiting: Judit Polgar & Alexei Shirov At the Amateur World Championship 2018 guest of honour and best female chess player of all times, Grandmaster Judit Polgar, presented the winners with their trophies. For an exclusive group of chess enthusiasts the former Vice World Champion, Grandmaster Alexei Shirov offered a preparatory seminar in a private setting before the World Amateur Championship 2018.

Picture below: GM Alexei Shirov (center) with the organizers team (from left to right): FM Jens Hirneise, IM Tobias Hirneise, GM Falko Bindrich and ACO president Lothar Hirneise

Relaxation

Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the 5-star luxury resort directly by the sea.

Relax your soul

The Sheraton Resort has 4 large swimming pools.

Private beach with wonderful view

Before or after the games you can either relax at the pool or on the hotel‘s own quiet private beach.

Let yourself be pampered by top Greek cuisine

Pleasure on highest level

Every evening the chef will enchant you anew

Varied culinary arts

Double and single rooms

Double and single rooms (with or without sea view) are with 33m2 very spacious and have a large bathroom. Each room is air-conditioned and has a private balcony.

Junior Suites (only a few available!)

The popular junior suites overlook the sea and have a spacious living room area and offer with 45m2 enough space. Each Junior Suite is air-conditioned and has a private balcony.

Aegean Suite (only 5 available!)

The Aegean Suites (60m2) are luxurious and very spacious units with a master bedroom, living room and a fantastic sea view. Each Aegean Suite is air-conditioned and has a private balcony.

Squash, tennis, playground and indoor pool are available

free of charge

Wellness program

ACO guests benefit from exclusive discounts in the in-house spa.

All-day free access to the in-house gym

ACO ExperienceIt is our aim to offer you a chess event of a special kind. Of course, the chess tournament is at the heart of the event but we also want everyone, players and accommodating persons, to have a wonderful time. This is why we always choose interesting places and nice hotels with high standards. Our team consists, among others, of GMs, IMs and FMs with huge tournament experience, so we know what matters at a chess tournament.

2012 we were in Dubai, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. We played in one of the world’s best family resorts, a 5-star hotel and had our prize-giving ceremony at 220 meters in the most luxurious hotel in the world, the 7-star Burj-Al-Arab. 2013 we visited the famous Greek island Crete and enjoyed a spectacular playing hall with direct sea view.

2014 the championship took place on the „Sun Island“ Rhodes, with 4 very nice hotels and the longest private beach of the island.

2015-2018 the tournament took place in the newly built 5-star hotel Helona Resort on the Greek island Kos, with the best cuisine of the island!

Great peopleMeet new friends from all over the world! We have more than 25 nations competing in the tournament.

Diploma for every playerWe at ACO go with the olympic motto - „It is the taking part that counts.“ Therefore every player gets a diploma with his name on it.

Free drinks during the gamesEspecially for our participants, we arranged that all of us can have free drinks (water, coffee, tea) during the games to refill energy for the hard-fought games.

Blitz tournamentsOur blitz tournaments (5 min per player for the whole game) are a good way to get in touch with other chess players. In Kos 2017 from 314 players more than 120 play-ers participated in the „Welcome-Blitz“ tournament.

We also host a „Team-Blitz“ where players compete in teams of 2.

Free-day tripsIn every tournament we have one free day with no chess game. Usually we take this opportunity for some sight- seeing. With a professional guide and a big bus we visit the most attractive places of our destination.

BeachFor us chess does not mean to sit in a hall all day. If you play an ACO tournament, a beach is not far away. Relax in between your games and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends!

Chess - game of generationsIn our championships we were glad to welcome players from the ages 6 up to 94(!) years. The above right pic- ture shows the game between the 7 year old Anna against Mrs. Eggebrecht (94 years).

2012: Dubai 72 participants from 25 countries Our first tournament took place in sunny Dubai in 2012. The venue was 5-star hotel Jebel Ali. The highlight of the event was the prize-giving ceremony in the ballroom of the famous 7-star hotel Burj-Al-Arab (photo) at 220 meters height.

2013: Crete (Greece)168 participants from 26 countries

The second ACO World Amateur Chess Championship took place on the Greek island Crete in 2013. Compared to 2012, the number of participants more than doubled. The venue was 4-star Aquis Arina Sand with a beautiful playing hall, with direct sea view.

2014: Rhodos (Greece) 240 participants from 26 countriesOur third tournament took place on the Greek „Sun Island“ Rhodes in 2014. The playing hall had a size of over 1000 square meters where 240 players from 26 countries fought for the titles. Players were accommodated in 4 & 5 star hotels of Esperia Group.

ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2015 - 20185*****Helona Resort Kos 2015: 2016: 2017: 2018:240 players 249 players 314 players 307 players27 countries 29 countries 30 countries 30 countries

The Wimbledon of Chess

An experience report by Uwe Ritter (Germany) about the ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2018 on Kos

It is May and it already has a good tradition, embedded between two holidays and two weekends the chess players meet for the most beautiful amateur event of the year.

Like every year when the ACO calls, one travels from all over the world to the beauti-ful Mediterranean island KOS to meet at the 5-star Hotel Helona Resort.

307 participants from 30 countries followed the call of the organizers and travelled with their wives and accompanying persons, in some cases the children were there as well.

As every year, the official reception with a glass of sparkling wine or wine on the eve of the tournament was very popular, as one always meets many good old friends again. Even if the last participants did not arrive until after midnight due to flight delays, all chess players sat on the board punctually the next morning at 10.00 a.m. 9 rounds were played, in 7 rating groups, A to G. The rating groups were formed starting with the group A Elo 2201 - 2400, downwards.

The time control was 90 minutes for 40 moves and 15 minutes for the rest. There is also a bonus of 30 seconds per move. There were no disputes due to the always very fair interaction between the players.

Similar to the legendary tennis event, many things here are already good old tradi-tion. In addition to a full board wellness program, there is free catering during the game in a beautiful playing hall equipped with carpets.

Present grandmasters, with whom one can analyze one‘s own game, a free day, which is always used for an island excursion in the group or on one‘s own initiative and ends with a Greek evening in the hotel.

Simultaneous exhibition events of master players present and various Blitz events were also an integral part of the supporting program this time. All this always takes place in a very familiar atmosphere.

Even before the tournament started, world chess star Alexei Schirow was a guest and prepared 8 chess players from all rating groups for this tournament for 3 days. Furthermore he was a star to touch, who was not afraid to play a blitz match against other amateurs. The also present grandmasters Spyridon Skembris and Zigurds Lanka were always sought-after analysis partners, some amateurs could be helped with tips and tricks. Both grandmasters also gave chess lectures in German and English, an offer which enjoyed great popularity.

In the 8th round at the best lunchtime, many chess players were already at the ta-ble, the remaining participants in the tournament hall temporarily did not believe their eyes and some even suspected a „Hungarian mirage“ when surprisingly the best female chess player of all times appeared in the playing hall.

Judit Polgar, now 41 years old and long since retired from active tournament chess, visited her friend Maria in the tournament hall to keep her fingers crossed for her personally. Maria had only scored a modest three points last year, now she domi-nated her group for 8 rounds, was equal on points with Simon Faber from Germa-ny before the final round and in the end, due to an unfortunate defeat, was only second behind Simon Faber, who won the F-group with 7.5 points. I can‘t prove it, but let‘s assume that Judit Polgar plays a not inconsiderable part in this positive development.

The highlight of the prize-giving ceremony with guest of honour Judit Polgar, was, as last year, the mini free concert of the Chilean artist Maria Jose Yurar Rescaglio, who is well known as an artist in South America, thus far beyond her own national borders, and performs under the artist name Juga de Prima. Even before the start of the 9th round, the artist gave all participants a little surprise. We heard and saw a music video with the title „Oh my dear Capablanca“ which she had recorded.

The concluding remarks were made by participants who were there for the first time.

„The participants are all very relaxed. Nothing is missing. A beautiful Holiday tournament in an ambience of a World Championship, plus a great prize performance ratio“. (Peter Trzaska, Group B)

„A perfect organization“ (Marco Siebarth, Group C)

„All very well if only the defeats weren‘t.“ (Barbara Kroll, Group E)

„It was my first holiday in Greece and my first participation in an World Amateur Chess Championship and I was looking forward to it for months. My expectations of a wonderful time were exceeded in every respect. The fantastic hotel complex with the best conditions for such an event left no-thing to be desired; the good service of the staff, the excellent kitchen as well as the hotel‘s own sandy beach rounded the thing off and one could really enjoy the stay in a wonderful feel-good climate.

At this point I would like to praise the organizers, who had the prepara-tion, management and execution of the tournament (including the side tournaments) up to the evaluation and the festive award ceremony com-pletely under control and ensured a perfect and smooth process, this was also confirmed by the other participants! Many thanks to Falko Bindrich and the Hirneise family!As a subscriber to the german chess magazine „Rochade Europa“, I have been following the tournament for years and have now decided to parti-cipate. I can highly recommend it to every chess friend who wants to play a tournament in a relaxed atmosphere (Chess and Beach) in combination with a holiday feeling.Even my personally worst tournament result (there‘s even that) will not cloud my memory of this beautiful time. Professionally and family-wise it fits with me with a participation at the earliest again in two years, but I can look forward to it already now.“

Andreas Borchert about the ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2018 on Kos

„A big thank you to the ACO team for the organization of the World Amateur Chess Amateur Championship on the Greek island of Kos. The tournament, its realization, the complete side program as well as the entire hotel (team) had to show an enormously high quality, which absolutely lived up to the claim of a World Championship. Also worth mentioning is the Mediterranean weather on Kos, which will remain positively in your memory with many hours of sunshine. I am already looking forward to next year to participate in this great tournament, to meet the Greek sun as well as the food and the nice people I met“.

Marco Siebarth about the ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2018 on Kos

ACO World Amateur Chess Championship Kos 2017 - South American superstar plays chess incognito

Who like me, commutes a lot between 2 federal states, knows what it meant, especially this spring to have to sweeten its existence with a gray cloudy weather. In the last few weeks, we rarely had more than 10 degrees, mostly with rain and strong winds, so that we wanted to escape this climate. What is more beautiful if you have a flight ticket to the Mediterranean and at the beginning of May, at 9 degrees at the airport Hamburg, board an airplane to escape this tristesse, towards the Mediterranean. The goal once again was the Mediterranean island of Kos and the ACO World Championship, which is held for the 6th time and is constantly enjoying increasing demand. The organizer was finally able to welcome 314 participants, which on the one hand meant a new entrant’s record, and on the other hand, that the organizer had a great confidence in the work of the last few years. Thus, the tournament was already booked in September for the Helona Resort Hotel (5 stars), so that now, participants could also be accommodated in the Lakitira hotel (4 stars), 300 meters away.In personal conversations with the foreign participants, it is always conveyed to me that they were here on recommendations which lead them to this place, e.g. From Sweden or even from Australia. For example, Elliott Renzies, 69 years old, traveled directly from Melbourne and was so enthusiastic that he decided during the tournament to book again next year. Already on the evening before the start of the tournament, there is a reception at the pool bar with a small drink, this clearly attests to the fact that the organizer tries his best to be forthcoming to the visitors. A cheerful togetherness with good old friends but also with the opportunity to meet new ones.

The fact that the choice for the venue was once again at the Helona Resort hotel, is not surprising, if one was here before. As every year, most of the first-time participants are on the road with the camera on the day of arrival in order to capture the various impressions. 5 players already took part for the sixth time. The youngest participant was the 6 year old Filip Ochedzan from Poland and the oldest, Louis Friedland, 90 years old, came from France. The participants are from Europe, Chile, USA, Argentina, India, Siberia and last but not least Australia. This is likely to be the only tournament with nearly all participants coming by plane. Once again the participants of GM Spiridon Skembris were supported in their post mortem analyzes. In addition, this year, 2 island excursions with German and English speaking tour guides were offered on the day off, a trip to the historical places, alternatively a trip to an olive factory and a wine tasting. To my astonishment, the seats were almost all gone before the start of the tournament.

It was played in 7 groups starting with category 2201 to 2400. On Sunday, 07.05. In the morning at 9:30 am the welcoming and instruction of the players took place, punctually at 10:00 am went on, followed by a double round on Monday. Tuesday the 4th round and Wednesday again a double round, respectively at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Thursday was a day off, until from Friday one Game was played each day until Sunday. There were also other framework events in the form of chess and lightning tournaments. On Sunday at 4 pm, all the winners were determined. Sunday was the closing ceremony. For the first time this was held outdoors, with an excellent panoramic view of the volcano island of Nisyros and the sea, next to the hotel lobby, by the pool. Most of the participants appeared in a suit appropriate to the occasion, very much to the pleasure of the organizer. After a compulsory pool photo, Chairman Lothar Hirneise opened the closing ceremony.

Right at the beginning, he surprised everyone with a note that among the participants was a famous musician from Chile, who is very successful in South America as a singer and dancer, but is absolutely unknown in Europe. She played in the F group, got three points, but in the entertainment business so his statements would have earned you more than 2800 ELO points according to our chess knowledge. Her given name is Maria Jose Yarur. She is a celebrated artist in South America, under the name of JUGA. Lothar Hirneise was pleased to note that she would now give us a taste of her art.

As far as this could be judged as a muscular layman, the voice and mastery of the music instrument brought along were a dream, soft and harmonious in sound. She performed four songs from her repertoire. She stunned with a revamped version of the music classic “From head to toe set on love”. Among other things, the classic magic word was replaced by Schachmatt. Fierce applause for an extraordinary artist, as well as a very beautiful woman, who makes the men’s hearts beat faster. Yes a great event is once again over, old friendships were cultivated, new ones were found. What a pity you were not there!

Uwe Ritter, Kos, 15th May 2017

Spring, sun, sea, wine and chess

An experience report by Dr. Jürgen Kraft (Germany) about the ACO World Amateur Chess World Championship 2017

Dear chess friends, this was a really successful holiday!Admittedly, the “Amateur Chess World Championship” is somewhat bombastic. But: 314 players from all over the world had come, including Chile and Australia making the longest journey. My opponents came from India, the Netherlands, England, Poland, Norway, France, Switzerland, and Germany. A member of the regional chess club Kosstadt was also there. The youngest player of the tournament was 6 years old, the oldest one was a whopping 92 years old! The Helona Resort, a beach hotel complex on the south coast of the island, was were the tournament was held. Rightly 5 stars. 9 rounds Swiss system, usual reflection time, rating groups staggered according to ELO 200. 7 game days, one day off, to explore the island in the spring bloom.

In the evening flashing tournaments - very recommended for imitation - teamblitz: A strong and a weaker player fight together. Enjoy! Who of you now thinks we have been playing holiday coffee house chess, has gotten quite another idea: Since we had all the time in the world - apart from the time of reflection – were the fighting was fierce: accepting a draw? Only with a Queen and a tower less ... A typical chess day: 7.30 getting up, at 8.30 Anne and I want to have breakfast. Since I have to swim in the sea before. After breakfast, a short walk along the sea, at 10 am it starts. Excitement ... After the game, Anne and I had arrangements for lunch at 13.30 - it was several times later. I had never played so many final games.In the evening: There are chess games in the hotel bar. But with the English people, one can also talk about music: Are Deep Purple or the Dire Straits the better band? If you have lost, you can comfort yourself with a glass of red wine and the Rolling Stones: “You can not always get what you want”; If you win, you can listen to Freddy Mercury at the pool bar... “We are the Champions!”

The off day was very nice: Bus trips over the island are offered. In addition to tourism, Kos-Stadt has a beautiful ancient market square in the middle of the city and a Kreuzritterburg. Two beautiful old mosques built peacefully next to orthodox churches.A visit to the ancient hippocrates sanctuary is a much just like the journey to the mountain villages over narrow serpentines: flowers, forest and a wonderful view of the deep blue Aegean.Back to Chess: 5,5 out of 9, Rank 19 of 88 in my rating group. Despite many mistakes I am satisfied. The most beautiful part was a black vic-tory in the English four-knight game. Thanks to Bernd’s English tutoring course, the opening was clearly in my favor, and I had an opportunity for polychrome for the first time in my chess career, despite a mistake in the middle game: two black ladies were too much for my opponent. Thanks to the good hotelesses (Oh these calamares with garlic and caper-nmayonnaise!) My belly unfortunately icreased more than my ELO. Now I have to switch to lettuce! My wife has now enjoyed the beach life and has become really tanned - perhaps the only disadvantage of the air-con-ditioned playroom.

We will be back next year! Highly recommended!_______________________________________________

Dear Organizers,

I was there for the first time. And I’m thrilled. So many possibilities, as banal amateur chess to play and to experience, with free water, coffee and cake on the board, to exchange with so many from other countries, in such a beautiful place, with a super tour on the off day, with best and ample kitchen, and all this in a pleasant atmosphere that you can work with. A big big thank you!

Greetings from Switzerland

Ruth Huber (Group E)

Participant Uwe Ritter from Germany reports

In 2016, the ACO (Amateur Chess Organization) sent out invitations to the five-star hotel Helona Resort and 249 chess fans from all over the world accepted. This was a new record.

The organizers were pleased that 6 chess fans were there for the fifth time, among them Rene Tückmantel and Dr. Thomas Kummle from Germany, as well as Swiss chess icon Dr. Christian Issler, the long-time chairman of the oldest chess club in the world, well-known for organizing many tournaments. Many participants this year took the opportunity to travel early or to stay on a few days longer. Full board, reduced prices for drinks, free food during games, all were at affordable prices in the off-season. As one participant from Heidelberg told me: “Here there is no need to spend additional euros, everything that one needs to feel good is there.”

The tournament was played in 7 rating groups. There were numerous additional events in the form of blitz tournaments or simultaneous events. GM Spiridon Skembris supported chess-players with analysis of their games and was always on the spot with tips. He held lectures on middle- and endgames. On the day free from games, two tours on the island were offered, which the chess players gladly accepted. The participants came from 29 nations, among them Singapore, Chile, Argentina and Siberia . It wasn‘t obvious that they were going to attend. It is interesting to know that the event mainly lives from mouth to mouth propaganda, since in these countries, due to the organizational structures of the local chess associations, an advertisement is not financially feasible.

Pleasant Argentine participant Andrea Duernhoefer explained to me that there weren´t any big tournaments in Central and South America, so her only a choice was to go either to the USA or to Europe. Besides, most chess players are organized and live in Europe. The route of her outward flight to the tournament was: Buenos Aires, Santiago, Madrid, Munich, Kos. I admit, I didn´t dare to ask about the route of her return flight. The youngest participant was 9 and the oldest 82 years old.

The organizers were also well prepared for the needs of participants with disabilities. They did not spare any effort in order to offer to participants the top tournament. So it’s no surprise that they were the only ones that, after 9 days, still didn’t have a little colour in the face. During the closing event, the chairman Lothar Hirneise recalled the 5 years of ACO. He mentioned that chess players that are not organized are also welcome. For example, the oldest participant in the tournament on Crete (in 2013) was 94 years old and, whether you believe it or not, she learned to play chess at 93.

Despite that, she won 3 games. At the tournament on Rhodes (in 2014), there was a sporting performance of a special kind. A Swiss participant arrived by bicycle and was on the road across Europe for 3 months. In the end, one participant from Russia wrote a book about the the tournament on Crete. As Lothar Hirneise humorously commented. this might have been the only time that he was mentioned in chess history. I think we should wait a while.

At the closing event, the participants thanked the organizers, with long applause, for an extraordinarily, well organized achievement, that deserves iconic status after only 5 years. The Olympic motto also applies here, “Taking part is more important than winning”.

In this sense, my warm thanks go to the organizers for a top organization, which is unique in this field. The only disappointment was that you were not there.

If I may make a suggestion, just give it a try next year!

ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2016on Kos

Constantine Ananiadis, (USA, Group D) aboutthe World Amateur Chess ChampionshipRhodes 2014

„I was fortunate enough to have the chance to partici-pate in the 2014 ACO World Championship in Rhodes, Greece and I can easily say that it was the best organi-zed event I have ever participated in!

The organizers made sure every detail was taken care of and made the players feel very special. The venue was great with ample space and good lighting.

I also enjoyed the side events (blitz tournament etc) that they made available to us and was able to partici-pate in one of them.

The schedule of the games was well thought-out and allowed for family time as well as time to explore the is-land of Rhodes itself. The hotel was also great and con-sidering that it was „all-inclusive“ it was very affordable.

All in all, a great event and great initiative by the orga-nizers! Bravo! I really hope I can make this an annual event for myself and my family and I hope that more and more people will support ACO and participate in future champion- ships!“

Mikael Svensson, (Sweden, Group B) about theWorld Amateur Chess ChampionshipCrete 2013

Hats off and a big round of applause to the entire ACOteam for yet another brilliant performance! ACO is a young organization, now with its second World Cham-pionship organized for chess amateurs from around the world. Being a participant in both Dubai and Cre-te, it’s natural for me to compare the two tournaments. Playing in Dubai was certainly a privilege. With the luxurious resort as both accommodation and playing hall for the participants, and with the prize giving ce-remony in Burj Al Arab, it was truly a once in a lifeti-me experience. All things considered the tournament on Crete took the tournament one step further, even surpassing the experience in Dubai. While the hotel in Dubai was great, the climate on Crete was strongly preferable. While a decent amount of players around the world gathered in Dubai, the number of partici-pants more than doubled on Crete. While I was having a good time in Dubai, the friendly atmosphere in the tournament on Crete reached a level that I have ne-ver experienced before in any chess tournament. Ever. That the organizers recognized me from last year was perhaps not that surprising. But that they all seemed to know everybody by name was truly impressive, and helped to make everybody feel part of the ACO family.

Harry Wubs, (Netherlands, Group D) about theWorld Amateur Chess ChampionshipDubai 2012

“For me the tournament in Dubai was great. AlthoughI did not know what to expect, I would say that it succeeded all my expectations.

The group of participants was small, what gives an in-timate atmosphere. After a few days you knew all play-ers by face and most of them by name.

Despite the heat outside, there was warmth and fri-endliness inside the hotel. This friendliness was very strongly present in the persons who organized the tournament.

A great compliment for ACO for their ideas, their hard working, their friendliness and their professionality.

The whole organizationwas just perfect. Their were no incidents, the sportsmanship was of a high level and there were a lot of contacts between the organizers and between the players.

These contacts continued even after the tournament in some cases. I personally will surely meet several players in Crete, Greece again next year in May.”

I really liked the tournament. It was a nice experience. With best wishes to play another tournament organized by ACO.”

WIM Elizabeth Paola Moreno García, Venezuela, 2077 EloAbout the WACC 2013 in Crete

“Dear chess friends. I’m very very glad, with the nine days in the world championship in Crete, with all. Great chess atmosphere, great Chessplayers,great people, and great friends. Thank you for crea-ting that one marvelous event, and also for the blitz tournaments! I really enjoyed them!Thanks again for so much chess, chess, and more chess on Greek islands! Go on for more!”

Antonio Maset, Argentina, 1500 Elo, about the WACC 2013 in Crete

Kudos to the ACO team, which looked after all participants with great dedication. It was myfirst participation, and I will always remember it, not only because of the final result. :-)Everything was perfectly organized, the tables and boards were always neatly prepared.Despite the huge number of participants, we had enough space in the playing hall to roamaround and check out the other games. Every evening they organized an event, be it a blitztournament or a chess tutorial by the fantastic and always funny Latvian GM Lanka, whospeaks fluent German. Inviting him to Rhodos was a great idea. I take my hat off to the organizers,who untiringly ensured a great playing atmosphere every single day. Can’t wait fornext year in Kos!

David Moreno Rivilla, Spain, 1588 Elo About the WACC 2014 in Rhodes

Four players from the Einsiedel (Switzerland) chess club at the World Amateur Chess Championship on Kos

The amateurs chose their new titleholder in Greece – away from the sport, the event was marked by a relaxed atmosphere.

The Einsiedler quartet returned from the World Amateur Chess Championship without a cup but with many experiences and memories. Peter Telser, Hans Forster, Meinrad Bettschart and Victor Kälin together have about 150 years of experience of competitions. But they had never before participated in such a tournament as this, of the Amateur Chess Organization (ACO). There were 250 chess players from 30 countries competing from 7 to 15 May on Kos for the crown of the amateur world championship. There were exactly 7 crowns, one per group. The programme was intense, with 9 rounds. It offered, however, enough time to relax.

The players‘ passion was inexhaustible. That can be said for Meinrad Bettschart (Brunnen/Einsiedeln), who was second oldest person at 82 years and who sat for a further 3 hours with his 14 years old opponent to analyse the game. One typical image for the occasion. “Chess is more than competition”, said prudent ACO-president Lothar Hirneise (Germany) during the announcement of the rankings. Chess is also education and friendship, and encourages the Olympic spirit at such amateur championships, according to which taking part is more important than winning.

Very relaxed atmosphere

The four members of the Einsiedeln chess club were competing in three different groups. Hans Forster had the best performance, with 5.5 points from 9 games, which was excellent for rank 14. Peter Telser nevertheless succeeded in finishing the tournament without defeat. As well as the sport, the event had a relaxed atmosphere, a great hotel just by the sea, mild temperature as well as an organization, which translated the motto of World Chess Federation «Gens una sumus» (We are a family) perfectly from theory to practice.

Victor Kälin, (Switzerland, Elo 1876) participant group C

World Amateur Chess Championship 2016 on KosA report by the participants Rafael and Kevin Jaussi (Switzerland)

On Saturday May 7, our journey from home to Kos began. When we arrived there, we had already been overwhelmed by Greek hospitality. A small aperitif was organized in the five-star hotel Helona Resort. When it was over, we were desperately looking for our suitcases until someone from the hotel told us that they had already been taken to our room. Later we went to have dinner and we were astonished to see the big selection at the buffet. In the beginning we were as if paralysed.

The food was delicious and we didn’t need to fear being hungry for these 10 days. On Sunday the first round began.

It was difficult to be focus on chess with the panoramic view and beautiful weather. After 2/3 of the tournament, Rafael Jaussi had started really comfortably in category E with 3 points from 6 rounds. With me, it did not run according to desire with 1.5 from 6 rounds in category C, the start was very modest. On Thursday May 12 a day trip was planned with a touring bus, which enabled us to learn a lot about the island, its history and attractions. Half the time the guide was telling us everything about olives, which were very delicious. There were theory evenings and blitz tournaments, where we both got 3 out of 7 and there was a blitz team where the brothers Jaussi also gained 3 points out of 7. Which was very strong for our ELO rating. The last round was on Sunday May 15 and Rafael ended the tournament at 22nd place, with 4.5 out of 9 points, of 36 participants in category E. I finished the tournament with 3 out of 9 points, 53rd out of 56 participants in category C. The tournament ended with a small aperitif and the announcement of the rankings. On Monday after breakfast, we began our trip home.

This was a great chess event, with great impressions of the trip and we can only recommend the 2017 tournament on Kos and give our thanks to tournament directors for the great organization.

Kevin Jaussi, (Switzerland, Elo 1833) participant group C

“What a great idea. Combining a beach holiday with chess. Don’t you just love them both. And the ACO putting thatpackage together in the top-class Helona Resort in Kos was pure genius! As always the chess was tremendous. But wewere on holiday too, so universally having a good time. It was a chance to meet new friends. Language isn’t a barrier.The conversation is conducted primarily in English. However, I spent a few minutes analysing my game with a Russianopponent, he pointed in Russian and I generally waved my arms in English. Perfectly understood on both sides! One ofthe nice little extras was having a genial Grand Master on hand to help with the after game post-mortem, that was areal boon for all the players. Let’s just say a word about the Helona Resort. “Brilliant!”. We were treated like Kingsand Queens. The rooms are top of the range, bright, spacious and clean. My party was blown away by the food, and thedesserts especially were a triumph! We were not alone in our praise. On the evening of the awards presentation theChef took as much applause as all the winners put together. Even those on the strictest diet would surrender to his delights!Overall Kos 2015 was a glittering success. These are the Friendly Amateur World Chess Championships.If you love chess, warm sun and good food, come and play. / David Gilbert, (ENG, 1899, Group D)

„World Amateur Chess Championship 2015 on Kos was organised at the highest level and left only the most pleasant memories. I am very happy with this tournament, especially with the result. There was a lot of chess experience, a lot of fun and new friends. First of all I would like to say thank you to GM Falko Bindrich and Hirneise‘s family for the organization of this really perfect tournament. Because of them everyone is getting a chance to play living chess with a different opponents from all over the world, and even become a chess world champion, as me. Secondly I would like to thanks all my opponents and participants for the friendly atmosphere during all period of the tournament. And inally I would like to wish all previous and future participants of the ACO tournament the success at the chessboard as well as in all life.“

Nikolay Gutsulyak, (RUS, 0, Group G) about the tournament on Kos 2015

Lovely atmosphere with ideal playing conditions, lots of interesting chess offers such as single blitz, team blitz, seminars, simultaneous exhibitions and excursions… in a nutshell: Kos forever!

Vladimir Paleologu, (SUI, 2152, Group B, President of Chess Club Lugano) about the tournament on Kos

I allow myself to express my feelings and my comments about your tournament Kos 2015 and its hotel, it’s not my habit to throw with lowers, but it’s true that I have never seen anything like this before, your team has not left any wishes open, at any time the team was there and everyone desired to play chess. The big playing hall, lots of space for the chess games, free cold drinks and coffee, cookies and several large screens for the seminars not to forget. This tournament and the 5 Star Hotel Helona Resort was the BEST TOURNAMENT in my amateur chess career, the place and the infrastructure was nice and clean, a warm welcome at the hotel reception and all the players and their acommpanying persons had the same benefits. I cannot find enough words to express our satisfaction and to summarize it I would say it was just ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, AND EVEN MORE!!! WILL WE BE THERE NEXT YEAR? YES!! OF COURSE!Arezki Bouchelaghem, (SUI, 1770, Group D) about the tournament on Kos

Sowohl bei Tag als auch bei Nacht bietet die Hotelanlage ein

traumhaftes Bild

Let the day end in front of beautiful scenery directly at the sea

• Jogging/Fitness trail• Sauna• Squash• Tennis (with floodlights)

• Volleyball• Table tennis• Bike rental (extra charges) • Mini supermarket

Gala dinner (value 80 EUR)

After our prize-giving ceremony the gala dinner with Greek theme evening will take place as highlight of the World Amateur Chess Championship. Look forward to an extraordinary evening!

List of activities

At the 5***** beach hotel Sheraton Rhodes Resort numerous activities are offered. A small except of the activies are below. In case of questions please send us an email to rhodes@amateurchess.com

Free day

The play-free day offers enough time to explore the whole island. Visit the historical sights of the island and enjoy the typical Greek flair in Rhodes city and surroundings.

SUNNY ISLAND RHODES

Following services are included for players & accompanying persons:

9 overnight stays in 5 stars hotel Sheraton Rhodes Resort

Full board: Breakfast, light lunch, dinner

Drinks included (non-alc.) during the meals

(value 150 EUR) free water and 1 soft drink per meal

Free drinks during the chess games (value 150 EUR)

Free water, tea and coffee exklusive for ACO guests

Prize-giving ceremony with gala dinner (value 80 EUR)

Alcoholic beverages at a special price

Free game analysis with GM Spyridon Skembris & GM Zigurds Lanka

Analyze your games with a grandmaster

Free grandmaster chess lectures

Free chess side program (participation is voluntary)

Blitz tournaments, Grandmaster simul etc.

Free access to the gym

Private hotel beach

Free internet access

Access to the playing hall (Imperial Ballroom)

All prices per person (except Family rooms)

Registration until30.11.2018

Registration until 31.12.2018

Registration until 31.01.2019

Registration from 01.02.2019

Double room Standard 899 EUR 949 EUR 999 EUR 1049 EUR

Double room sea view 999 EUR 1049 EUR 1099 EUR 1149 EUR

Single room Standard 1299 EUR 1349 EUR 1399 EUR 1449 EUR

Single room sea view 1499 EUR 1549 EUR 1599 EUR 1649 EUR

Triple room Standard 799 EUR 849 EUR 899 EUR 949 EUR

Triple room sea view 899 EUR 949 EUR 999 EUR 1049 EUR

Family room (2 adults + 1 child up to 14 years)

2199 EUR (Total price)

2299 EUR (Total price)

2399 EUR (Total price)

2499 EUR (Total price)

Family room (2 adults + 2 children up to 14 years)

2599 EUR (Total price)

2699 EUR (Total price)

2799 EUR (Total price)

2899 EUR (Total price)

Junior Suite for 2 persons 1599 EUR 1649 EUR 1699 EUR 1749 EUR

Aegean Suite für 2 persons 1999 EUR 2049 EUR 2099 EUR 2149 EUR

Price list 5***** Sheraton Rhodes Resort

Notes on registration 5***** Sheraton Resort

• Out of experience, the ACO World Amateur Chess Championships are fully booked weeks before the first deadline. The hotel recommends a timely registration in order to guarantee a place.

• Experience has shown that rooms with sea views are particularly popular and therefore often booked out early.

• For booking extra nights before or after the tournament, please contact rhodes@amateurchess.com by email.

• Extra nights can be booked for the same conditions like during the event

• The booking of rooms for accompanying persons who don‘t take part in the tournament is also possible.

• It is possible to have a few more days of vacation after the event and to bring an accompanying person.

• Chess teachers or chess clubs who arrive with groups of 10 or more persons may get special conditions.

In case of any questions about the hotel, tournament, registration, extra nights or anything else please do not hesitate to contact us:

Contact and registration:rhodes@amateurchess.com

Registration WORLD AMATEUR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2019

20th - 29th April 2019 Rhodes / Greece

To register for the ACO World Amateur Chess Championship 2019 in Sheraton Rhodes Resort please click on the below link. There you can fill out the online

registration form and choose your accommodation. If you have difficulties with the online registration form, please send an email to: rhodes@amateurchess.com

https://amateurchess.com/registration-rhodes

General Business Terms For Travel ContractsThe following terms will come into effect when agreed upon the content of this travel contract between the client and us (the touroperator). They will add the lawful clauses of §§ 651a-m BGB (Civil Law Code) as well as the information guidelines for tour operators according to §§ 4-11 BGB-InfoV (regulations for information and obligation to produce proof according to civil law code) and fill those in.

1.Conclusion of travel contract / Client obligations1.1By booking (registering) the client offers us binding conclusion of the travel contract. The basis of this offer are the travel tender as well as our additional information for each respective tour as far as this is available to the client.1.2Travel agent (such as tourist office and service provider (such as hotels, shipping company) are not entitled to make agreements,disclose information or issue warranties which change the agreed upon content of this travel contract or to offer additional ser-vicesoutside those agreed upon or in disagreement with this tour tender.1.3We are not bound by place and hotel brochures, as well as internet tenders which were not issued by us, unless they were expresslydeclared to be agreed upon by the client, or became the content of our duty to perform.1.4The booking may be made orally, in writing, via phone, via telefax or via digital means (e-mail, internet). We will immediately confirmreception of booking with electronic bookings. This confirmation of receipt does not constitute acceptance of booking agreementsyet.1.5The client is bound by all contract duties for those travelling with him, if he has issued booking for them. He is also bound by allcontract duties for himself, as long as he has expressly and separately declared his duty to do so.1.6The contract becomes binding once access to our declaration of acceptance has been made possible. This is not bound by anyparticular form. During or right after completion of contract, we will send written confirmation to the client. We are not bound by thisif the booking by the client was made less than 7 days prior to the start of the tour. Special wishes and registrations are only valid if they are confirmed by the host in written form.1.7If the content of our declaration of acceptance deviates from the content of the booking, then this is considered a new offer by us,to which we are bound for the duration of 10 days. The contract will be based on the basis of this new offer, if theclient issues acceptance through express declaration, deposit or final payment.

2.Payment2.1To secure client money insolvency insurance will be made. 2.2After completing the contract, a deposit of 20% of the travel price will become due. The deposit will be redounded to the cost of the tour. The rest of the payment must be made at least 28 days prior to the beginning of the tour (declaration of reception of pay-ment), as long as the insurance certificate has been handed over and the journey can no longer be cancelled due to the reason stated in Nr.7. Payments have to be made based on the bill number stated on the travel confirmation agreement.2.3If the client fails to make deposit or payment until the agreed upon payment dates, then we are entitled to step back from the travel contract after admonition and to debit the client with any associated costs according to Nr. 5.2 Sentence 2 until 5.5. Without full payment of the tour price, there is no claim for a fulfilment of the tour services.

3.Changes Of Service3.1Changes of essential tour services of the agreed upon content of the travel contract, which become necessary after making theconclusion of contract and are not brought about against belief or faith are only permitted if the changes are not severe and they do not inhibit the overall terms of the tour.3.2Eventual warranty demands remain untouched, as long as the changed services are not subject to deficiencies.3.3We are bound to inform the client about essential changes of services immediately after determining the reason of change.3.4In the case of a severe change of any essential tour services, the client is able to step back from the tour contract or to demandparticipation in a tour of at least the same value, if we are able to offer such a tour without additional cost to the client from a selection of our offers. The client has to make these claims immediately after our declaration of changing the tour services or cancellation of the tour.

4.Client Resignation prior to begin of tour / Cancellation costs4.1The client can resign from the tour at any given time. The resignation has to be made in written form at our business address of Cannstatter Straße 13, 71394 Kernen, Germany. It is recommended to make this declaration in written form.4.2If the client resigns prior to the beginning of the tour, or if he does not enter the tour, then we will lose claim over the price of the tour. If the resignation cannot be justified or is a case of an act of nature, we may demand appropriate compensation for all travel preparations or expenses in connection with the tour costs prior to the tour.4.3We have tiered compensation claims in a chronological way, according to consideration of the proximity of date of the resignation compared to the agreed upon tour start. This is done in percentual relat ion compared to the cost of the journey. During the calculation of the compensation possible additional usage of the travel services will be taken into account. The compensation is calculatedafter the date of reception of the declaration agreement. This occurs in the following way:

Until 31 days prior to tour start 25%starting from 30 to 25 days prior to tour start 40%starting from 24 to 18 days prior to tour start 50%starting from 17 to 11 days prior to tour start 60%starting from 10 to 4 days prior to tour start 80%starting from the 3rd day prior to tour start up until the start of tour or if tour is not entered 90% of the price of the tour.

4.4Under these circumstances, the client has to prove, that no damage or less damage than expected came about than the flat fee that was demanded by him. We remain the right to demand higher and concrete compensation as long as we can prove that the damage incurred was higher than the respective and applicable flat fee. In this case we are bound to make available the demanded compensation with consideration of the saved expenses as well as other usage of the travel services. The lawful right of the client, to find a suitable replacement according to § 651 b BGB is not touched due to these terms.

5. Change Of Reservation5.1Client claims after completion of contract concerning the tour date, tour destination, the accommodation and type of trans- portation.will not go into effect. If a client chooses to change their reservation, we will demand a EUR 50.00 fee in order to process the change. 5.2Changes of reservation by the client which are made more than 30 days prior to start of the tour may only be carried out after stepping back from the travel contract according to Nr.4.2 to 4.4 and according to the terms mentioned there. In addition the client would need to register again for these changes to take effect if indeed they are plausible to make. This does not apply for changes of reservation which only cause minor costs.

6.Undrawn ServicesIf the client chooses not to utilize individual services which were offered to him, especially if this is due to reasons that were produced by him (such as premature return journey) then he will not be able to file claims on partial reimbursement of the tour cost. This duty is not applicable if the services concerned are irrelevant or if lawful or regulatory provisions have been made against them.

7.Resignation due to non achievement of a minimum number of participantsThe minimum number of persons for the World Amateur Chess Championship 2019 on Rhodes (20th-29th April 2019) is 300 persons (sum of players and accompanying persons until 1st of March 2019)

We may only resign from the travel contract due to not achieving a minimum number of participants if:a) we specifically defined a minimum number of participants in our travel brochure as well as the date until which the client has to forward a declaration prior to the beginning of tours.b) if the travel confirmation document specifically mentions the minimum amount of participants as well as the latest date for return, and reference is made to the appropriate data inside the tour announcement.Resignation has to be made apparent to the client at least 5 weeks prior to the agreed upon date of the tour. If at an earlier date it becomes apparent that the minimum number of participants will not be reached, then we will immediately be forced to utilize our right to resign. If the tour is not being carried out due to this reason, the client shall receive back all the tour payments he has thus far made. Any additional claims for compensation are ruled out.

8.Cancellation based on behavioral reasonsWe may cancel the travel contract in compliance with our terms, if the client continues to disturb or if he decides to act against theterms issued in this document in such a way, that our cancellation can be justified. If we decide to cancel, we remain the right tokeep the amount of the tour price; we must however calculate the value of any saved expenses, as well as those advantages which were not utilized as part of any alternative usage, including the amounts made by service providers.

9.Contribution duties of the client9.1 Announcement of deficienciesIf the tour is not being delivered according to our terms, the client may demand remedy. The client is however bound to announceany deficiencies concerning the tour immediately. If the client fails to do so it becomes impossible to lower his tour price. This does not apply when the announcement is apparently pointless or is unacceptable for any other reasons. The client is bound to make his announcement to tour guides immediately upon arriving at destination. The client will be instructed on our description of services through our tour documents. The tour guides are instructed to ensure remedy if possible. They are however not entitled to recognize any claims filed by the client.

9.2 Setting deadlines and cancellationsIf a client decides to cancel his travel contract due to important, recognizable or unreasonable circumstances, he must set an appropriate deadline to receive remedy according to § 615 c BGB. This does not apply when remedy is impossible or is being denied by us or the immediate cancellation of the contract becomes appropriate due to a recognizable client interest.

9.3 Travel documentsThe client is bound to inform us, if the appropriate travel documents (such as hotel vouchers) are not received within the date range specified by us.

10.Limitation of liability10.1Our contractual liability for damages, excluding bodily harm, is limited to triple the tour price.a) as long as harm to the client was not caused on purpose or due to negligence orb) as long as the damages incurred to the client were merely due to the service provider.10.2Our delictual liability for damages which are not based on purposeful destruction or negligence, is limited to triple the tour price.This highest amount of liability always accounts for client and journey. Any additional potential claims in connection with travel luggage are based on the treaty of Montreal and remain untouched by the limitations.10.3We are not responsible for disturbances of service, personnel or property damage, in connection with the service, which are merely being referred (such as tours, theater visits, exhibits) if these services are not expressly made apparent in the travel ad as well as the bookings confirmation and are not declared specifically as foreign services so that the client may recognize that they were not a part of our tour services. We are liable fora) services which concern the transport of the client from the stated beginning of the journey to the point of destination. Intermedi-ate transportation during the tour as well as accommodation during the tour.b) if and as far as any damages of the client become apparent due to hints, investigation or organizational duties.

11.Exclusion from claimsClaims due to not receiving the tour as described in the contract must be filed within a month after the contractual start date of theend of the tour. The assertion can be made only towards us through our business address at Cannstatter Straße 13, 71394 Kernen. After expiration of deadline, the client may only make claims if he was not responsible for not being able to file the claims within the necessary time frame.

12.Lapse of time12.1Claims by the client according to §§ 651 c-f BGB based on injury of life, the body or health or such which are based on purposefulor negligent violation of duties through us or a lawful representative lapse within two years. This also concerns claims for the replacement of any additional damages, which are based on purposeful or negligent violations of duty caused by us or a lawful representative.12.2All other claims according to § 651 c-f BGB expire after one year.12.3Lapse of time according to Nr.12.1 and 12.2 starts on the day which follows the day of the start of the tour.12.4If legal cases between us and the client exist due to claims being filed based on reasonable circumstances, then the usual lapse of time is inhibited until we or the client refuse the continuation of the legal case. The lapse of time occurs at the earliest date of 3months after the inhibition.

13.Passport, visa and health regulations13.1We will instruct EU members within the respective country in which the tour is being offered, about any terms concerning passport, visa and health guidelines prior to completion of contract as well as any eventual changes prior to the start of the tour. For members of other nations the respective consulate is available for information. We are assuming that no oddities are apparent with regards to the client (such as double passports, statelessness).13.2The client is responsible for purchasing and carrying the lawfully required travel documents, any necessary vaccinations as well as adherence to any customs and currency laws. Disadvantages which result from now obeying these terms, such as the payment of resignation costs, must be paid by the client. This is not the case, if we have failed to inform the client appropriately.13.3We are not responsible for timely issuance and reception of the required visa through the respective diplomatic represen- tatives, if the client has commissioned us with the purchase, unless we have violated our duties on purpose.

14.Choice of law and jurisdiction14.1The lawful relationship between us and the client is solely based on German law. This also accounts for all of the legal pro- ceedings.Therefore only the Original German Version of this General Business Terms For Travel Contracts is legally binding.14.2If a client files claims or legal cases concerning the liability of the tour host against us abroad, this must be done based on German laws. Especially in regards to legal consequences, and particularly in the way, the amount and the size of the claims filed by the client, German law is applicable.14.3The client may only sue us within our jurisdiction.14.4For claims filed by us against the client, his current residence is decisive. For claims against our clients or contractual partners, entrepreneurs, lawful person of the public or private sector, who have their main residence abroad, or whose residence and usual residence during the time of the lawsuit is not know, our jurisdiction will be used.14.5The following terms about the choice of law and jurisdiction do not apply,a) if and insofar as contractual or negotiable terms based on international treaties, which are based on a travel contract between the client and the tour host, anything else results in favor of the client orb) if and insofar as may be applied to the travel contract, negotiable terms within the Eu state the client belongs to, are more favorable than the regulations within these terms or the applicable German laws.Notification of cancellation due to acts of nature:Cancellation of travel contracts must be referred to regulations within the BGB, which are as follows:„§ 651 j:(1) If the journey is made severely difficult or impossible due to unforeseeable circumstances, the tour host as well as the participantsmay cancel the contract based on these terms.(2) If the contract is cancelled based on paragraph 1, then regulations from § 651 e paragraph 3 sentences 1 and 2, paragraph 4 sentence 1 is applicable. Additional charges for travelling back are to be half shared by each party. In addition all additional charges are to be made by the participant.”